For nearly four decades, Craig Stough has been an integral part of Sylvania government, the Sylvania community, and beyond. This journey began when he first served on Sylvania City Council in 1986. He was elected council president in 1994.
“I voted for Craig to be city council president in 1994 and mine was the deciding vote,” said former city councilman Keith Haddad, who explained that council elects a president every two years. “I felt his business and managerial skills along with his council experience would serve him well as council president. When Mayor Jim Seney was appointed to a state position in 1996, Craig was well suited to move into that Mayor’s roll and he has done a great job. While we didn’t always agree on issues when I was council president, we were always able to work well together to do the best for the city. Actually our whole council worked well together, as we wanted to do what was best for the city.”
Haddad had been appointed to fill a vacancy on city council in 1993 and served until he moved from the city and resigned in 2010.
Several of the city’s successful projects completed during those years included the city’s ownership of Centennial Terrace, the Tam-O-Shanter Business and Expo addition, the Lathrop House relocation, and the city’s ownership of properties leading to the development of the Wyngate and Root Learning facilities. In addition, economic development incentives were put in place. According to Haddad, Mayor Stough was instrumental in developing a process for systematic city-funded street repaving. “Up to that time, residents had been assessed for the service,” Haddad recalled.
Other notable achievements include Mayor Stough’s long-term efforts for the regional water system and to successfully negotiate terms for a favorable water contract for the city of Sylvania. During his tenure, other properties were purchased and made ready for development including SOMO, Inside the Five and Madeline’s Patisserie/Bakery. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts have been established for downtown Sylvania and Holland-Sylvania Road at Harroun Road.
“The fact that he’s provided strong and steady leadership for the span of a generation speaks for itself,” stated former 16-year Sylvania City Councilman Mark Luetke. “Look at what his administration has given us: a vibrant and revitalized downtown; high quality streets and infrastructure; recreational opportunities like the river trail and neighborhood parks, just to name a few. Craig even practices a bit of international diplomacy through his advocacy of our Sister City relationship with Woodstock, Ontario. As a member of council, I had the opportunity of working with him on our relationship with Woodstock to foster a bond of understanding with our Canadian neighbors.”
While many of his major achievements are not necessarily easily seen, Mayor Stough is most visible when hosting innumerable community events from the most somber 9-1-1 Memorials to the annual Christmas lighting ceremony, leading community parades, congratulating DARE student graduates, participating in ribbon cuttings, Mobile Meals with Mayors, and many more.
Mayor Stough is a long-time Sylvania resident, attending Sylvania Schools and graduating from Sylvania High School in 1971. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees are from The Ohio State University. Mayor Stough is an architect with the firm of Stough and Stough Architects and was honored as the 1997 Toledo Architect of the Year. He is a member of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the boards of the Sylvania Community Improvement Corporation and the Sylvania Rotary Community Foundation. He was instumental in the formation of Sylvania Arts and maintains a close relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis and Lourdes University. He also serves on the Sylvania Historical Village Commission, is the immediate past chair of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and is past president of the Northwest Ohio Mayors and Managers Association. He is a member of Olivet Lutheran Church.
“The city of Sylvania has greatly benefited from Mayor Stough’s direction. He does his homework; he researches whatever problem or project the city faces and then starts the process to resolve that problem or concern. Sylvania is fiscally sound and he leaves it in a great position to address the future. Whether it was building a new water tower or negotiating an annexation agreement with the Township, he got it done. It has been an honor for me to work for him,” Sylvania Economic Development Director Bill Sanford offered.
“The city has been incredibly well served by Mayor Craig Stough, who has spent the vast majority of his adult life serving the community. That is to be applauded and admired. Mayor Stough embodies all one wants to see in a public servant. He has managed to successfully juggle all the important elements of his life including family, business, and the city. I have been on council working with him for the past 10 years. I am looking forward to continuing his good work. I intend to listen to the stakeholders to hear their concerns. I like to listen and learn from others,” City Council President Mark Frye offered
“He’s a good man with the absolute best interests of our city at heart,” said Mark Luetke.
On behalf of the staff of Sylvania AdVantage, another huge thank you for your many years of service!